Chongqing - A city known for its mountainous terrain and rapid urbanization, Chongqing has made remarkable strides in transportation infrastructure. Embracing the Spirit of Chongqing, its development goes beyond sheer scale or speed, prioritizing safety and human care—values that shape the city's growth and reflect its resilience, innovation, and commitment to responsible construction.

On December 27, 2024, the CR400AF-S intelligent Fuxing bullet train passes through downtown Chongqing, demonstrating cutting-edge rail technology (Photo/Long Fan)

One prime example of this approach is the Zhengzhou-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, particularly the construction of the Xiaoshan Gorge Tunnel. Here, the use of an intelligent three-arm rock drilling rig revolutionized safety. Unlike traditional manual drilling methods involving significant risk, this machine automatically adjusts its arms based on geological conditions, drills blast holes, and installs explosives within three hours over a 200-square-meter area. This method dramatically reduces risks compared to older techniques, such as those used 70 years ago during the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing Railway, where manual drilling with steel rods often led to accidents and fatalities.

Chongqing's Tuanjiecun Station (Photo/Long Fan)

Similarly, in Nan'an District, Chongqing has made remarkable achievements in construction safety. By November 2024, the district has gone 12 consecutive months without accidents in major projects. The district's safety strategy emphasizes not just technological innovation but also a strong commitment to human safety. For example, in the construction of the Yangtze River High-Speed Railway Tunnel, workers operate a 12.66-meter shield machine at depths of over 140 meters, excavating at a pace of 8 to 10 meters daily. Stringent safety protocols govern every aspect of the operation, from machine maintenance to worker protection.

On December 23, 2024, the construction site of the Chengdu-Chongqing central line high-speed railway in Chongqing Dazu District buzzed with machinery, creating a scene of fervent progress (Photo/Qi Lanshen)

Chongqing's commitment to safety extends beyond just the machines; it's a part of a broader, people-centered approach. At construction sites, safety responsibility boards are prominently displayed, listing the project managers, department heads, and on-site supervisors, ensuring clear accountability for every aspect of safety. This initiative, part of the city's "Three Additions" strategy, helps keep safety a visible and enforceable priority at every level of the construction process. Workers are not only given the tools to ensure their safety but also the support and coordination needed to carry out their tasks without compromise.

These examples highlight the Spirit of Chongqing—a blend of resilience, valiancy, and pioneering—in the city's transportation development. Through cutting-edge technology and a commitment to safety, Chongqing demonstrates that progress doesn't have to come at the cost of people's lives. Instead, innovation and human care can go hand in hand, building a safer, more sustainable future for the city and its people.